Shannon’s Story

Site created on January 7, 2019

My story? So complicated. I started having trouble getting food “stuck” a few years ago. It progressed to a feeling of choking, and then eventually choking and vomiting. I was originally diagnosed with a disease called Eosiniphilic Esophagitis (say that five times fast).  This progressed into another disease called Achalasia, and finally (and hopefully lastly) one more disease called Gastroparesis. These are all rare diseases and there are no cures, just treatment of my symptoms. What does all this mean? My esophagus doesn’t work right to get the food into my stomach, causing me to generally choke and vomit daily. Once the food makes it into my stomach, my stomach doesn’t work right to push the food into my intestines. I had surgery on my esopagus and stomach on March 27,  2018 to try and relieve the choking episodes. Unfortunately it failed, and my doctors in Louisville feel they have reached their limit as to how they can help me and I have been sent to a motility specialist in Indianapolis. So far I’ve been to Indy three times for consultations and testing, with my fourth visit coming up on January 10th. This doctor, Dr. Wo, seems to think that my issue is my vagus nerve not doing its job, it’s either been physically damaged somehow, or it’s neurological. He seems very knowledgeable and thorough, and I’m cautiously hopeful that he can help me get my life back. 

Newest Update

Complications

Journal entry by Shannon Strulson —

i ended up with a perforation, so a one night stay turned into another surgery and I don’t know when I’m going home. Should have been home Fridayand it’s Sunday. More tests in the morning. I’m supe tired so I’ll leave you all with some super fun pics. 
Read More of the journal titled "Complications"
  • The IV pole of happiness 
    The IV pole of happiness
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Shannon Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation powers a page like Shannon's for two weeks.

If you donate by April 17, your gift will doubled, thanks to a matching gift by former CaringBridge board members.

Leave a comment of support for Shannon

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top